Hear Bach today

The 2007 edition of "The Music of the Masters" concert today will feature the Casper College Collegiate Chorale, the Casper College Women's Choir, the Casper College Men's Choir and the Casper College Orchestra.

The concert is at 2 p.m. at St. Mark's Episcopal Church, on the corner of 7th and Wolcott Streets.

"This is a special concert that will acknowledge the contributions of Johann Sebastian Bach to the world of music," said Patrick Patton, voice and choir director.

This year Patton collaborated with Jennifer Cowell, director of the Casper College Orchestra, in the presentation of Cantata No. 4, "Christ Lag in Todesbanden" ("Christ Lay in Deaths Bonds"). The orchestra and the Collegiate Chorale will perform the piece, considered one of Bach's most famous cantatas.

In addition to the Bach composition, the Women's Choir will perform a variety of works from Johann Michael Haydn, Beethoven, Debussy, Teleman, and Lang.

The Men's Choir will present music from Schubert, Mendelssohn, Poulenc, Lehar, and Orff.

The concert is free to the public, and a free-will offering will be accepted at the door to defray costs. Early seating is advised.

Forum focuses on alcohol

Ernie Johnson, lecturer of criminal justice for the University of Wyoming/Casper College Center, will address alcohol use and its effects on the community in a faculty research forum on March 7 from 12 to 1:30 p.m. at Casper College's Strausner Student Center, Room 217.

His presentation will include information from a two-year study conducted by the Wyoming Association of Sheriffs and Chiefs of Police and funded by the Wyoming Department of Transportation.

"We need to figure some solutions," Johnson said. "Alcohol is driving a lot of our issues."

Casper recently established a liquor task force that is working on issues involving alcohol that are impacting the community. The task force is actively trying to find solutions that will make a difference, said Johnson.

Scholarship targets students in need

Wyoming high school seniors can apply for a $2,500 college scholarship from the Horatio Alger Association and Rocky Mountain Power Foundation.

A total of $125,000 in scholarships is available to assist Wyoming students in attaining a college education.

The Association has extended the enrollment period to May 1, 2007, to allow more students to apply. The Association is seeking to award 50 scholarships to Wyoming applicants. Seniors who previously applied will automatically be considered for the new enrollment period.

Horatio Alger Scholarship Programs offer assistance to students in need who have persevered despite facing hardships in life. Potential applicants should demonstrate integrity and perseverance in overcoming adversity, strength of character, financial need, a good academic record, commitment to pursue a college education and a desire to contribute to society. Students can visit the Web site for more information and to apply for the scholarship at {M7https://www.horatioalger.org/scholarships/.